The 34 Ultimate Inspirational Quotes from Successful Entrepreneurs

May 20, 2016

Entrepreneurs are a hard-working and brave lot. Think about it: they have the cojones to start businesses in the face of turbulent economic conditions, are constantly brainstorming to solve problems in new ways and withstand tons of adversity. Yet, they still come out on the other end as thriving survivors.

Their power resides in their unrelenting tenacity. Their drive to keep a business alive. To make a better life for themselves and their families. Entrepreneurs are all heart.

But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: even the most successful entrepreneurs are completely human. They have failures and make mistakes. There are days where they are filled with doubt and feel fraudulent. Even the most prominent and renowned professional sometimes needs a pick-me-up or a gentle nudge to get them over a hump.

Been feeling stifled or frustrated by your business lately? Now’s your chance to be revived. Here are thirty-four inspirational quotes from entrepreneurs who know exactly what you’re going through.

Motivation

“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.”
— Thomas Watson, Sr., former CEO, IBM

“Every time you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it. It’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible. Don’t put a ceiling on yourself.”
– Oprah Winfrey, media proprietor

“There’s nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team.”
– Jason Fried, founder of 37signal

“Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.”
– Howard Schultz, CEO Starbucks

When I’m old and dying, I plan to look back on my life and say ‘wow, that was an adventure,’ not ‘wow, I sure felt safe.’”
– Tom Preston-Werner, Github co-founder

“Embrace what you don’t know, especially in the beginning, because what you don’t know can become your greatest asset. It ensures that you will absolutely be doing things different from everybody else.”
– Sara Blakely, founder SPANX

“We led with our conviction rather than rational, because rational said it was impossible.”
– Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO Spotify

“If you’ve got an idea, start today. There’s no better time than now to get going. That doesn’t mean quit your job and jump into your idea 100 percent from day one, but there’s always small progress that can be made to start the movement.”
– Kevin Systrom, Instagram

Mistakes and Failure

“Mistakes are the growing pains of wisdom.”
― William George Jordan, writer/editor

“Recognize that there will be failures, and acknowledge that there will be obstacles. But you will learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, for there is very little learning in success.”
– Michael Dell, founder and CEO Dell Inc.

“Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.”
– Elon Musk, founder, CEO and CTO of SpaceX; co-founder, CEO and product architect of Tesla Motors

“Everyone has ideas. They may be too busy or lack the confidence or technical ability to carry them out. But I want to carry them out. It is a matter of getting up and doing it.”
– James Dyson, inventor of Dyson Vacuum

“The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow”
– Ingvar Kamprad, founder Ikea

Failure is not about insecurity, it’s about lack of execution.”
– Jeffery Gitomer, business trainer

Show me a person who never made a mistake, and I will show you a person who never did anything.”
– William Rosenberg, founder Dunkin’ Donuts

“Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure.”
– Napoleon Hill, author

“Employees who are controlled cannot respond caringly, you need superior knowledge and real leadership, not management. Because of this we specifically developed a selection process for leaders; we don’t hire managers.”
– Horst Schulze, Former Ritz Carlton President

“Employees want to feel inspired by their leaders…hire individuals who will lead by example.”
— Jody Kohner, VP of Employee Marketing & Engagement, Salesforce

“Your ability to communicate is an important tool in your pursuit of your goals, whether it is with your family, your co-workers or your clients and customers.”
– Les Brown, Author and Motivational Speaker

Have a quote that inspires you to do amazing things? Share it with us in the comments!

Author:

Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones is a content writer and the social media manager for PATLive. She works from her cave, er, her home in Fayetteville, Ark., with her trusty dog and curmudgeonly cat by her side.